A new day dawns for Marlborough builders The resounding message from the experts calls for new innovative solutions to be explored for the future of building. Marlborough Magazine speaks to professionals in the building industry to understand the changes the industry is facing and what advice they can offer locals thinking about building and renovating.
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he construction industry has seen disruption unlike anything before thanks to a perfect storm of events sparked by Covid-19. As with many other industries, the building industry has been faced with supply shortages throughout 2021 and into 2022. Added to this, record low interest rates and an entire globe in varying levels of lockdown has led to an increase in disposable income within the community, causing demand for things like new houses and home improvements to skyrocket, without materials readily available. Certified Builders Association of New Zealand Marlborough President Nic Hill, of Hillco LTD, says the material shortage has made planning difficult. While pauses have been placed on many projects as tradespeople await supplies, other projects are able to go ahead thanks to more widely available alternatives. “All my clients; we’re giving them A, B and C options, and we’re giving them those options at the start. It’s about preparing your clients for options and changes that they are happy with and getting products that are more readily available,” Nic says. For the most part, builders can continue with projects using a mix of careful planning and clear communication with clients, designers, sub trades and suppliers. HR Construction owner Donna Ryan says Marlborough was unique from other regions in the way the pandemic affected spending in the region.
“There is an enormous amount of building work currently being undertaken in New Zealand and this has added significantly to the strain on supply of materials,” she says. “The wine industry has a huge impact on the level of building that happens in Marlborough and the wealth within the province … Being able to continue to harvest the grapes during the first Level 4 March 2020 lockdown meant that Marlborough did not feel the economic impact that other parts of New Zealand felt.” Donna and her team are working hard to minimise the impact on their clients by setting realistic expectations. “We are constantly communicating so that everyone involved is prepared and ready for when we push the go button,” she says. “Clients are very aware of the challenges now, and we are lucky to be working alongside positive people who are supportive, realistic, and understanding.” Travis Taylor, owner of Travis Taylor Builders reiterates the importance of clear communication between all parties involved, and that planning and organizing of building supplies and sub trades well in advance is paramount. It’s important the client enters the new build or renovation with an open mind and realistic expectations. This will result in a lot less stress for both client and builder and help contribute towards a much more enjoyable experience. Nadine Norton, owner of Endeavours homes promotes the same message, building a new home is
Above: Travis Taylor Building project in Rarangi at sun rise. It’s now even more important to have a good working relationship between builder and client to ensure large scale projects like this go to plan.
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